Timelines

At this phase of the project, review your schedule with that of your contractor in order to create a preliminary construction timeline. Coordinate the estimated construction dates (from your contract) with your orders and deliveries. This timeline will be adjusted as needed during construction. Recognize that any unexpected changes (whether in or out of your control) may send this preliminary timeline "down the drain".

On average, the complete construction phase takes approximately 12 - 16 weeks (your timing may differ depending upon the scope of your project and any last minute changes). Delivery dates will affect your construction timeline as contractors prefer to start a job after all the products, materials, and appliances are on-site.

So place your orders now (if you haven't done so already) or order them in coordination with your contractor's schedule. You may want to adjust orders to coordinate short and long lead times to be delivered at approximately the same date (prior to your start date) or you may want to space them out to assist your budget. Keep in mind that unforeseen backorders can mess up your entire timeline. If you are going to take advantage of rebate offers, remember that they often have a limited window of opportunity so order those items prior to their rebate expiration dates.

Your construction timeline is best kept on a large calendar. You may want to use different colors to differentiate orders, delivery, and construction. The Personal Project Organizer includes several blank calendar sheets for this purpose (keep a blank one on hand to be copied if needed).

To this preliminary construction timeline, begin to add specific dates when known. Your contractor should review construction activities and firm up dates with you several times during construction (if not weekly). This ensures that everyone is on the same page. While your General Contractor (GC) is in charge of making things happen according to the timeline, it helps if you know when to expect shipments and work crews, etc.

Though your sequence may vary slightly, construction timelines normally follow the sequence as listed below:
1. Pre-construction meeting between yourself and any other decision makers and all professionals involved to review the design and construction details.
2. Meet with your contractor to:
A. Create your preliminary construction timeline and include a weekly meeting with your contractor
B. Review estimated start and completion dates
C. Review payment schedule--make any payments now due and recognize that timely payments are necessary to run the project smoothly
D. Review Codes
3. Obtain Permits (this may take 2-6 weeks)
4. Order any outstanding materials, products, and appliances or quick-ship products
A. Make sure you allow enough time for custom orders and items with long lead times
B. An additional payment to GC may be required at this time
5. Firm up the start date on your construction timeline with your contractor
6. Prepare your Home and Family (See Surviving Construction)
7. Receive materials, products, and appliances (check and inspect each item against your order checklist)
8. Demolition - Homeowner can sell or donate old cabinets or appliances, otherwise removal by contractor should be written in the contract.
9. Construction A. Structural and Exterior work B. Mechanical Systems (i.e. electrical and plumbing)
10. Building Department Inspection #1
11. Review the installation dates on your construction timeline with your contractor (again)
12. Installation
A. Drywall
B. Flooring
C. Cabinetry
D. Fixtures
E. Appliances
F. Countertops - Remember that fabrication can only be started once base cabinets are installed. Allow approximately 4-6 weeks for this lead-time (depending upon the materials used). This way you won't be disappointed by this common occurrence.
13. Building Department Inspection #2 (Final).
14. Finish Work A. Painting & Wallpapering, etc. (some of this may be done by the homeowner at a later date)
15. Homeowner reviews work completed and creates punch list of adjustments/corrections with GC. Link to "Change Orders and Punchlists" from ImproveNet.
16. GC completes punch list agreement
17. GC final clean up
18. Homeowner's final approval and final payment
19. Homeowner's final clean up & move in--yeah!
20. Make a great dinner and enjoy your new kitchen with your family and friends!

ADDITIONAL READING
The Smart Approach to Kitchen Design, by Susan Maney, published by Creative Home Press, http://www.chp-publisher.com